Alpha's Hidden Precious Luna-Chapter 14

Lily POV

I stood before Alpha Kai, feeling like a dwarf in his imposing presence. He was too tall and strong for me and he made me feel small and vulnerable. Despite Celeste’s reassurances that he wasn’t going to punish me, I couldn’t shake off the fear that punishment or immediate expulsion from the pack awaited me.

But the way I see it, expulsion would be the best-case scenario – a clean break, a chance to run far away from this world of wolves and Alphas I barely understood.

I watched as he rose from his desk and walked up to me. As he approached, I kept my head bowed, eyes fixed on the floor. Yet something strange stirred within me. It was an unfamiliar pull urging me to look up, to meet his gaze, to step closer and run my hands on his hard chest, to feel his heartbeat – to kiss his lips that were currently clamped in a straight line.

The intensity of my absurd emotions startled and embarrassed me.

What was I thinking? I was the intruder here and I had just lost Lucas who I believed was my mate (although I wasn’t certain since I’ve not shifted yet and didn’t have any wolf). How could I be having such thoughts about this infamous Alpha?

Gathering all my courage, I sneaked a glance at him and spoke, my voice soft and trembling slightly.

“I...I’m sorry for crossing your borders without your permission. And I’m extremely sorry for my behaviour by the lake. It was rude of me to -,”.

“It’s okay,” He interrupted me, his deep voice surprisingly gentle.

My head snapped up in surprise as the rest of my apology dried on my lips. I found myself at a loss for words, shocked by this easy forgiveness. Hesitantly, I stole a glance at him again, only to realize that his intense golden eyes had been fixed on me the entire time, unwavering and unblinking.

Instantly, I got nervous by his scrutiny and instinctively took a step back. In a flash, Kai grabbed my shoulder, the heat of his touch searing through the fabric of my shirt. His grip was firm but not painful as he held me in place.

“Don’t,” he said, his voice low and husky.

But just as quickly as he had reached out, he released me and retreated to his seat behind the desk. I couldn’t help but notice a flicker of discomfort cross his face as he sat down, shifting awkwardly in his chair.

Clearing his throat, he spoke again, his tone more formal now. “My Beta was the one who reported your situation. He told me you were been chased and attacked by rogues. It was on my order that the border was cleared for you,”.

A small laugh gurgled up my throat, at the white lie. Celeste had told me on our way to the pack house, that His Beta Liam had been the one who suggested he cleared the border for me but I blinked trying to act surprised.

I hadn’t expected that he would agree especially after I’d heard so many terrifying stories about him.

“Given the circumstances,” he continued “I’d like to offer you a place to stay. Here in the pack house,”.

My eyes widened in shock. Surely, I had misheard him. “I... What? No, I couldn’t possibly -,” I stammered, shaking my head vigorously.

I noticed his expression tightened at my immediate refusal and instantly regretted it. He was silent for a long moment as if he was wrestling with some internal conflict. Finally, he spoke again, his voice carefully controlled.

“Very well. If you’re uncomfortable staying in the pack house, you may stay with Celeste. I’m sure there’s a guest room in her house begging for a visitor and I’m sure she wouldn’t mind,”.

I nodded gratefully, relieved at this more palatable option.

“Additionally,” Alpha Kai continued “You’re welcome to enrol in our local college and continue your studies. We have an excellent educational program here in the pack and they’re all free for members of any Alpha family. Just choose anyone that catches your fancy, okay?”

I stared at him, not knowing how to react to this sudden show of kindness that I wasn’t used to. Also, I know being a member of an Alpha family is more reason why you should pay your tuition. If I were an Omega, I would consider it was because of that but I wasn’t. Why was the Alpha trying to make me comfortable or did he have something else in mind?

“Uhm... Alpha!” I bowed my head “I wasn’t planning on staying. You see my father has already sent a letter to another pack and I’m sure they’ll be wondering what is taking me so long to come. I had to come here at a whim of the moment to escape those rogue wolves. And I told Celeste, after I apologize that I would leave the pack and never bother you again,”.

“So, after clearing my borders for you and saving you, you’re telling me you only used me for convenience and now that I’m done serving my purpose, you’d like to move to a better option. Is that it, Miss Stone?”

My eyes widened with fear at his interpretation. “Of course not, Alpha,” I said quickly, hoping I hadn’t riled him. “I’m sorry for giving you that impression. I’ll be more than willing to stay here until you no longer require my presence,”.

The offer was unexpected and generous plus he was angry a while ago that I didn’t accept it. I found myself torn between gratitude and suspicion. Why was he being so kind to me? What did he want in return? I wondered again.

As if reading my thoughts, he added. “There is one condition, however. You’ll need to report to me weekly about your life and education in the pack...”.

I tried not to show surprise at his words. Was he so free that he’d have time to care about my life here? Did I walk into some alternate universe? Or was this a different Alpha Kai? And not the one in the stories?

“This will continue until I’m satisfied that you’re qualified to be a member of this pack,” he completed.

I nodded slowly, finally understanding his actions. It seemed reasonable enough, though the thought of regular meetings with him made me nervous.

“Is that agreeable to you?” He asked his intense gaze still on my face.

“Yes, Alpha,” I replied softly. “Thank you for your generosity. I’ll leave first,”.

As I turned to go, relief flooding through me at the thought of finally escaping his overwhelming presence, his voice reached me once more.

“Lily,” he said, his voice was softer now. “You’re safe here. I hope you’ll come to see that in time,”.

I paused at the door, looking back at him. For a moment, I saw something in his eyes – a vulnerability, a longing that seemed so out of place with his personality. What possibly could someone as powerful as him want? But it was gone in an instant, replaced by the stoic mask of the Alpha.

With a small nod, I slipped out of the study. A servant was waiting at the door who informed me she would take me to Celeste’s house. As I made my way through the pack house, I couldn’t shake the feeling that my life had just taken a turn into uncharted territory.